It’s been over 25 years since the hit film ForrestGump came to this world. One look at how much the cast members changed over the years makes it obvious just how long it has been.
Michael Conner Humphreys as Young Forrest
Humphreys played the younger Forrest in the movie, which was actually the young actor’s debut in a film as a whole. Interestingly, Hanks even went as far as to say that he modeled the voice of the older Forrest Gump off of the way Humphreys himself spoke.
Michael Conner Humphreys – Now
Following the film, Humphreys didn’t initially return to cinema, instead choosing to remain a normal kid in Mississippi. He served in the United States Army from 2005 to 2010, which included more than one deployment in Iraq. After enlistment, he actually did find his way back to Hollywood, starring in the 2011 war film Pathfinders: In the Company of Strangers. Since then, Humphreys has been living a relatively normal life as a teacher, though he claims that he would like to return to acting at some point in the future.
Sally Field as Mrs. Gump
Sally Field played Forrest’s mother in the film, a woman willing to go to any length for his well-being and the success of his future. She’s been a star in the industry since the ’60s, starring in shows such as The Flying Nun and Gidget. She’s a two-time Oscar winner, just like Hanks was at the time, and her 1984 acceptance speech is still one of the most well-known moments in the history of the awards show.
Sally Field – Now
Over the years following 1994, Sally Field has received a Hollywood star of fame, and she still stars in many roles in various films and TV series, as well as theater. She has even written a book, which was published in 2018. Most recently, however, she has been focusing on activism and advocation for personal rights and liberties in the United States, going so far as to participate in public protests. Her voice has proved very influential in those causes.
Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan
Ah, Lieutenant Dan. Your lack of legs only added to your charm and character development. Gary Sinise, who played Lieutenant Dan Taylor, actually started his career in traditional theater, but he caught Hollywood’s attention after playing a starring role in the 1992 movie adaptation of the book Of Mice and Men, which he also had a hand in directing. It was that success that helped Sinise make the cut for Forrest Gump, and we’re glad he did: he played Lieutenant Dan better than anyone could have.
Gary Sinise – Now
Since playing Lieutenant Dan, Gary Sinise has had roles in many shows and movies, including Apollo 13 and CSI: NY. Most notably, he started the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, which raises money for disabled veterans and even helps provide them with smart homes tailored to their needs. His band, The Lt. Dan Band, has performed for veterans on hundreds of stages, including military bases and even warzones. In 2018 the foundation raised $35 million for veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Hanna R. Hall as Young Jenny
Just like someone had to play a young Forrest, Hanna R. Hall played a young Jenny in Forrest Gump. Like Humphreys, the movie was her film debut as an actor. Unlike Humphreys, who decided to call it quits on movies for several years, Hall went on to play in roles in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the 1999 drama The Virgin Suicides. Maybe she found a taste for cinema in her performance in 1994.
Hanna R. Hall – Now
Since her debut in 1994, Hall has been consistently carrying on with her career as an actor, with her most recent roles including characters in the 2018 film Dying for the Crown, with a role in the short film Another Skin coming one year earlier. It seems like she has no intention of stopping anytime soon, though there’s no word on when her next major role will be, especially taking the current state of the world into account.
